20th December 2019

"Linda, there was a robbery at the bank. We've got to go, now." I said, as I dropped the telephone and picked up my loaded gun, clicking the safety button as I held it.

Blowing out air, she replied, "Robberies, Speeding tickets, what else? Ohh, missing daughter. Let's be done with this, Christmas is less than a week away. My babies need me."

I laughed. "Girl, your babies? You have four dogs, three cats and 2 parrots. That's a mini zoo. I won't forgive you though for refusing to give me Allie when she was a baby."

"I already told you, she's my favourite." She said, scoffing.

Before I could retort, we were already at the bank. Slowly, we entered the bank where two men were putting all the money into two sacks. It seemed like they had also collected the customers' phones, as those were already in the transparent bag.

Signalling Linda to arrest the driver of their blue Honda pickup truck, I said in a calm voice, "Hands up, This is the police. You're being arrested for robbery. Remain silent or whatever you say will be used against you in court."

Slowly, both guys turned as they dropped the bags. Satisfied, I walked towards them only to see the one by my right pull out his gun. Stunned, I stopped in my tracks.

"You don't want to shoot a police officer. Attempted murder won't look too good when you're asking for parole."

Apparently, he didn't care because the trigger was pulled. Slightly ducking to avoid being hit, I shot his right hand. Screaming fuck, he fell to the ground.

I looked over at his partner, who has his hands up. Smirking, I picked them both and called for backup while Linda had their driver by the collar and a gun pointing to his throat.

"He give you any trouble?" I asked.

"No, still a minor. You'll be spending some time in juvenile, boy." She said, stern faced.

Facing the one I shot, she laughed, "What happened to this one?"

"Tried to shoot me, and got shot in the process." As I faced him, spit suddenly coated my nostrils.

"Ow, Fuck you." He muttered, as I hit him with my gun. Cleaning my face, I grinned, "You wish."

I and Linda talked until backup arrived and dealt with the boys. We still had somewhere to be, as we drove off.

*****

I absolutely loved driving down to the edge of town, especially by this time. It had little to no snow, so the road was always passable. This year brought more snow than the last three years, and even this road was affected. Navigating my way across these parts, I drove up to the Burrows'.

The Burrows' lived at these parts, a small bungalow with around four rooms. A typical middle class family by our town's definition.

Linda knocked, while I wiped the glasses as much as I could. While this road was good, others weren't. My car glasses had snow all over, and using the windshields wasn't an option.

Mrs. Burrows answered and we were ushered into warmth, as she quickly poured us a tea of hot cocoa.

"So what can I do for you, Linda and Bella?" She asked, smiling.

I smiled back. "We are looking for your daughter, Claire. We have a few questions for her."

"Ohh, but she isn't here right now. She went on a camping trip with her brother and dad. So right now, I'm the only one at home until tomorrow. I hope there's nothing wrong."

Disappointed, I shook my head. "There is no problem. Her friend, Emily Brook has gone missing. We were hoping she would have some valuable information."

She stiffened and she glanced sideways. "The daughter of the mayor? I never knew they were friends." Muttering more to herself than to us, she continued, "I hope this doesn't bring trouble."

Linda glanced at me and said, "As long as your daughter doesn't have anything to hide, there will be no problem. If she does come back, tell her to report at the station for questioning."

I nodded and continued as we all stood up, "We will be taking out leave, Mrs. Burrows. Thank you."

As soon as the front door of the house closed on us, Linda sighed, "That was disappointing."

"I know. We'll just have to wait until they come back tomorrow."

"Oh, well. Let's go home. I have to feed my babies." Linda said dreamily.

Sighing, I dropped her at her place and drove off to mine. Jack wouldn't be home yet.

Home was my safe haven. As much as I liked my job, I couldn't be with it forever. I planned to drop my job few years after Jack and I finally got married.

Turning the knob out of habit, I realized it was unlocked. Maybe Jack was back. I laughed, the pun was always funny, but never intended.

My laugh died down when I saw a piece of paper that had been slipped under the door. Didn't Jack notice?

"Babe, how are you? I got off work early." Jack said, as he strolled over and kissed me.

I hummed as I opened the letter. It was like the one before.

*****

"I'm sorry, babe. I couldn't help it, I have to go."

"Really? It's two days to Christmas and you're telling me this now? You promised me we would be together this year."

I was furious. Once again, I wasn't going to see him until the next year. He always did this, leaving me during important occasions.

"I couldn't help it. She is getting suspicious, there is really nothing I can do. I'll make it up to you."

Defeated, I sighed and made for the door. "You can be with her. I know she'll always be more important to you than me."

"My love, don't look at me that way. You're making me feel like I'm abandoning you. Okay, I have a plan for us to be together."

Smiling, I listened as he whispered his plans in my ear. We would be together this time.

*****

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